Giant Bomb Game of the Year Awards (Concept)

Giant Bomb Game of the Year Awards

CONCEPT

Recognizing excellence (and messes) in games since 2008.

Overview

3515418-giantbomb%27sgameoftheyear2014_dayonerecap4-4screenshot.png Since its inception in 2008, Giant Bomb has presented Game of the Year awards that celebrate not just the best in video games, but also some of the worst. And then there are some things that need to stop, please. Over the years, the panelists, format, and content have changed and evolved. All of the podcasts, videos, guest lists, community votes, and a full list of every award can be found on the individual pages for each year.

2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013
2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019
2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025

Below here is a compilation of categories Giant Bomb has repeatedly used over the years to recognize the best and worst in games since 2008.

Best Game

The best game of the year as decided by the site's staff at the time.

2025 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
2024 - Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
2023 - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
2022 - Elden Ring (Game)
2021 - Chicory: A Colorful Tale
2020 - Hades
2019 - Outer Wilds (Game)
2018 - Tetris Effect (Game)
2017 - PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds
2016 - Hitman (Game)
2015 - Super Mario Maker (Game)
2014 - Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor
2013 - The Last of Us (Game)
2012 - XCOM: Enemy Unknown
2011 - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
2010 - Mass Effect 2 (Game)
2009 - Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
2008 - Grand Theft Auto IV (Game)

General

Best Mission / Level / Moment / Sequence

2025 - "Keep Up" Dispatch (Game)
2024 - Going Up in Hades II (Game)
2023 - "We Sing" from Alan Wake II (Game)
2022 - Act 3 of Pentiment (Game)
2020 - The Ending of Spiritfarer (Game)
2018 - Arthur's Last Ride to Camp in Red Dead Redemption II (Game)
2017 - Route E in NieR:Automata
2016 - Finding Your First Environmental Puzzle in The Witness
2015 - Achieving a Stable Orbit in Kerbal Space Program (Game)
2014 - Fighting the Underpants Gnomes While Your Parents Boink in South Park: The Stick of Truth
2013 - The End Sequence in Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
2012 - Breaking the Code in Fez (Game)
2011 - http://deckers.die in Saints Row: The Third

Best Multiplayer

3008100-burnout%20paradise%20remastered%20v1.jpg

Best Debut

Originally designed for best original IP, this award began including characters and studios in the discussion in 2023.

Old Game of the Year

This award began as "2008's 2007 Game of the Year", but changed in 2013 to include even older games that had a significant impact on the site in that given year.

Best Surprise

Best Short-Time Game

2015 - Lara Croft Go (Game)
2014 - Threes! (Game)

Best Co-Op

Best Ending

2010 - Red Dead Redemption (Game)
2009 - Silent Hill: Shattered Memories

Best Classic Revival

2009 - Street Fighter IV (Game)
2008 - Bionic Commando Rearmed (Game)

Visual

Best Graphics / Best-Looking

https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/2/25628/2770179-6882031468-latest Original starting as simply Best Graphics, this award changed in 2010 to more loosely include artistic choices rather than simply technical graphical prowess.